Gold tablets

Why are you taking it?

Auranofin acts by damping down the inflammation in the joints. It has no direct pain relieving effect so you need to continue your other arthritis tablets, at least for some time. It may take up to three months for the tablets to have their full effect. If the treatment suits you, it is possible to continue it for several years.

How and when is it to be taken?

Swallow the tablet whole with some water after food. The normal dose is one or two tablets daily. Missing the occasional tablet will do no harm. You can continue to drink alcohol in moderation if you wish.

Are there any side effects, and what are they?

All medication is capable of causing side-effects in some people, so it is a question of the benefits of the treatment against the risk of side-effects. The possible side-effects associated with Auranofin are:

Diarrhoea or nausea, which usually improves as you get used to the tablets.
Occasionally rashes occur.
Rarely there are effects on the kidneys or blood. This is why you have blood and urine tests at each clinic visit. If there is a problem, stopping the tablets will usually resolve it.
As with all drugs it is important to avoid becoming pregnant while taking this treatment.

Why is careful monitoring so important?

Monitoring of the effects of your new treatment is important, particularly during the first three months of treatment and we need to check your blood and urine tests regularly - this is usually monthly but may vary according to your treatment. This is for your safety.

If unable to attend, please telephone for another appointment.

Please remember to bring a urine sample with you to each monitoring clinic.